Today, individuals throughout Quebec have the opportunity to engage in various activities in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This federal holiday, recognized annually on September 30, is dedicated to honoring survivors of residential schools, along with their families and communities, while also acknowledging and reflecting on the history and enduring impact of residential schools.
September 30 also coincides with Orange Shirt Day – Every Child Matters, a day established by Indigenous communities to commemorate the children who were victims of residential schools and never made it back home. The orange shirt symbolizes the profound loss of culture, freedom, and self-worth experienced by many Indigenous children who were forcibly separated from their communities.
In Montreal, the Every Child Matters March, organized by the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal, is taking place this afternoon. Kicking off at Westmount Park at 12:30 p.m., the march will culminate at Cabot Square. The event features a lineup of Indigenous speakers and performers, and will proceed regardless of the weather conditions.
Meanwhile, participants of the Great Mamu Nikantetau 2026 Expedition, led by Dr. Stanley Vollant, an Innu surgeon from Pessamit, are concluding their nearly 350-kilometer journey from Kitigan Zibi, Que. to Montreal today. The celebration of this expedition commenced at 11 a.m. at the historical Hangar 1825 building along Montreal’s Lachine Canal.
Additionally, an immersive exhibition at the Université du Québec in Quebec City is shedding light on the 11 Indigenous languages spoken across the province. The exhibition delves into the impact of assimilation policies and the ongoing efforts by Indigenous communities to revitalize their languages.
In Gesgapegiag, a healing walk is being held in the Mi’kmaw community to pay tribute to the children who never returned from residential schools and to further the journey towards reconciliation. Participants gathered in orange shirts at the Wejgwapniag School gym at 9 a.m. before embarking on a collective walk to the nearby Mawiomi Grounds.
